To prevent frozen pipes in Northern Virginia, disconnect garden hoses and shut off interior valves to outdoor faucets before winter, insulate pipes in crawl spaces, garages, attics and exterior walls, keep the heat on when you are away, and open sink cabinets on exterior walls during hard freezes. Know where your main shut-off is before you need it.
- Pipes in exterior walls and crawl spaces freeze first
- Burst pipes often leak when they thaw
- Never thaw pipes with an open flame
- Shut off the main if a pipe bursts
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Fairfax-area winters are milder than many places, which is exactly why frozen pipes catch people off guard: homes are not always built or prepared for several nights well below freezing.
Most burst pipes happen in predictable places — and most can be prevented with a short checklist done once in the fall.
01
What Should You Do Before a Cold Snap?
- Disconnect garden hoses and shut off and drain hose bibs
- Insulate exposed pipes in crawl spaces, garages and attics
- Seal drafts near pipes at foundation vents and rim joists
- Keep the thermostat steady day and night
- Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls
- Let a faucet on an exterior wall drip during the coldest nights
02
How Do You Know a Pipe Is Frozen?
A faucet that produces only a trickle — or nothing — during freezing weather, frost on an exposed pipe, or a bulge in the pipe are typical signs. The pipe may not leak until it thaws, which is why burst pipes are often discovered on the first warmer day.
03
How Can You Thaw a Frozen Pipe Safely?
- Open the faucet so melting water can flow
- Warm the pipe gradually with a hair dryer, heating pad or warm towels
- Never use an open flame or torch
- If you cannot reach the frozen section, call a plumber
- If the pipe has split, shut off the main water valve immediately
04
What If a Pipe Bursts Anyway?
Shut off the main valve, open a faucet to relieve pressure, keep away from wet electrical areas, photograph the damage and call a plumber for the repair and a restoration team for the water. Burst-pipe water spreads into walls and ceilings, so moisture mapping matters.
Not sure how serious it is?
A professional assessment shows exactly where the water went and what it will take to dry and restore your property.